Time is passing us by … and it is pretty nice to be marking it with this series of local neighbourhood walks.

The third walk is through the northern streets of Alphington, and whilst lots of the houses that are talked about have disappeared, it’s still pretty interesting to understand how this area developed, and how it has changed. Who knew, for example, that Yarana Road was once a long driveway to a fancy house …

To find out more you can pop past ACC and collect a physical map from the box on the side of the seed library, if you have a printer you can download and print your own here and of course you can also just download it and follow along on your device.

We hope you have a lovely time exploring the northern part of Alphington this weekend!

Missing your regular holiday activities? Got a tent*? With school holidays upon us perhaps some backyard camping is in order?

I have seen two friends this week set up some camping gear in the garden (not necessarily with children involved!) … and then I saw a great post on the Mums in Darebin Facebook group this week with someone asking for ideas to make the most of a backyard camping adventure … and the answers were pretty inspiring so I thought I could share them. Here we go …

• Pack your backpack 🎒 and take a ‘hike’ through Darebin Parklands and beyond (include your water bottle and some scroggin for an authentic snack)

• Print a map of the stars and see if you can find the constellations (or pull out your telescope if you have one) or download an app … there are some terrific ones to help you identify the universe

• Set up an outdoor fire pit and cook bananas and Nutella in foil, potatoes in foil (microwave first), marshmallows on a stick, sausages in a frying pan etc.

• Cook dinner on your Trangier (you could even dehydrate some food and rehydrate it for some extra fun if the prep. is what you love!). Maybe some Foster Clark custard with rehydrated apricots for dessert? Porridge 🥣 for breakfast is also pretty easy.

• Have a BBQ

• Set up an outdoor washing-up station for the dishes. Maybe some hand clothes washing could be fun too (for kids not adults obviously!)

• Make a bug 🕷 🐛 🐜 bingo sheet and see if you can find them all

• Create a scavenger hunt

• String up fairy lights to create some atmosphere

• Get out some torches 🔦 and play spotlight or make shadow puppets

• Tell stories and read stories all snuggled up in the tent

• Play cards and board games

• Get out your guitar or ukulele (or recorder!) and have a sing along outside (a treat for your neighbours)

• Set up an outdoor stage and host a concert

• Set up a moonlight cinema experience on your house/garage wall

The most interesting thing about the post was that they were taking time with the planning … asking friends and family for advice and ideas … stretching the joy out … because the anticipation and build up contributes to the fun right!

I hope you feel inspired.

* If you don’t have a tent, a trampoline is also great on a mild night … and I am sure the process of rigging up a protective roof - if you’re worried about getting damp - could fill at least half a day!

My kids slept outside on the trampoline with their cousins at Easter when we were at my sister’s farm … they loved it (I think one of them is still asleep in there)!

Our second History Walk through the Lucerne Estate (south of Heidelberg Road) is now available for your weekend walking pleasure!

We’ve printed 70 copies that are again out on the street for you to collect, both on the bottom shelf of the seed library and in the little perspex brochure holder on the side.

Alternatively if you have a printer at your house you can print your own here or read along on your phone.

We hope you have a lovely weekend.

Hi Leanne here.

As you know if you are accessing ANY social media, yesterday was R U OK day. And it’s a tricky question at this time I think. Because even if you have a robust and resilient mindset to determinedly focus on the bigger picture - acknowledging that others have survived wars and past pandemics and similar all consuming world changing events and managed to come out intact on the other side - it’s still pretty hard.

It also feels a bit like groundhog day … which is why I laugh-cried at this meme.

On a more helpful note, I also came across this chart on the internet … and I thought it was good. Another way to reframe things and motivate myself to get up and get going and to make the most of each day … Maybe you’ll find it useful too.

If you are part of a local sports club or other community not-for-profit group in Yarra, did you know that you can tap into Council’s ongoing community training courses?

The next one is all about social media. It is on Tuesday 14 September, from 6-8.30pm. You can register here.

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Building Community with Social Media

Social media and online activities are now part of the way we communicate at work and play. For community organisations they provide a great opportunity to reduce workload and create efficient communication, the challenge however, is to decide which platform will have the greatest impact to support goals.

This interactive session will provide a basic overview of the most popular social media platforms used in Australia and insights on the best way they can be used effectively. This session will be most beneficial to organisations new to promoting their organisations through social media channels. Topics include:

• The pros and cons of some social media and online platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)

• Understanding target audience / selecting platforms

• Having creative ideas for content

• Communicating the right messages

• Preparing a social media plan

Date: Tuesday 14 September 2021

Time: 6.00pm – 8.30pm (2.5 hours)

Method: Online 

Register: HERE.

A nice picture of Elly (who is part of the Community Development - Capacity Building team at Yarra) from when she came along to our morning tea on the corner.

Other upcoming workshops include:

• Governance Training for Community Groups - 7 October 

• Evaluating Project and Programs - 9 November